Project 7.2 'Invasive species risks and responses in the Wet Tropics'

Invasive species management in the Wet Tropics is currently driven by a species-led prioritisation approach, as are weed and pest animal management activities globally. However, land managers in the region are increasingly recognising the necessity for regional-scale population prioritisation tools that incorporate the complexity of ecological processes of invasive species spread and establishment and take account of the values and assets in the landscape. In addition, climate change and intense cyclones will enhance the capacity of non-native species to establish, spread and transform the Wet Tropics ecosystems, and for maximum effectiveness over the long-term, strategic management and prioritization approaches should consider emerging risks under future climate scenarios. Current approaches to identifying and managing weed risk in particular need to be revised in line with projected climate change across northern Australia.

This project builds on and integrates outputs from several other invasive species and biodiversity research and management activities carried out over the previous two to four years including under the MTSRF. This project will support the management of invasive plants and animals by providing process-based decision support tools that enable the design and assessment of strategic approaches to on-ground management.

Specific objectives and intended outputs of this Project are detailed in the NERP TE Hub Multi-Year Research Plan.

Final Reports

Eradication versus containment strategies for invasive species management

Pest Adaptation Response Strategies: Process and Metadata

Project Factsheet

Link to the Project 7.2 homepage on e-Atlas